Mac Jones earning respect at New England Patriots training camp

Mac Jones is earning the respect of his teammates. As the New England Patriots continue their preparation for the season, the rookie quarterback is turning heads.

ESPN’s Mike Reiss writes that Jones is striking a ‘delicate balance’ at training camp so far. He mentions that rookies are supposed to be seen more than heard under Bill Belichick’s Patriots and that Jones is adapting to New England well.

It’s unsurprising that Jones would already begin earning the respect of his teammates early in his career. While at Alabama, the quarterback earned every minute of playing time he received, and every accolade that followed.

Jones earned attention on a national stage through his play. When you throw for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns, it’s impossible to ignore. However, he’s earning respect in New England for his work ethic.

Patriots backup quarterback Brian Hoyer has been around all types of quarterbacks throughout his twelve-year NFL career. He’s backed up seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady in New England, and was tasked with mentoring Johnny Manziel in Cleveland. He knows what it takes to win, and what it looks like when somebody doesn’t possess those traits.

Hoyer’s impressed with Jones’ willingness to learn, and his determination to succeed.

“It’s not easy to play quarterback in the NFL, it’s not easy to play it here. He works his butt off and he cares a lot. I get text messages from him at 6 a.m.,” Hoyer said, per Reiss. 

It hasn’t been all sunshine for Jones. The former Alabama signal-caller has had his misses so far at training camp, including missing some easy throws. Jones, who’s notably hard on himself after mistakes, was comforted by none other than Cam Newton.

While Belichick says Newton is his starter, Jones is the future. Still, Newton is gracious enough to welcome his future replacement with open arms, offering him advice throughout training camp.

“I told Mac this, he doesn’t know me yet and I don’t know him yet, as far as comfort,” Newton said, per Reiss. “A couple months with Mac, he’s a person that over time you’ll get to know . . . Everybody is just trying to learn each other and be the best teammates we can.”

Aside from offering advice, Newton has gifted Jones with one of his famous nicknames. The veteran quarterback nicknamed the rookie ‘Mac & Cheese’. 

Everyone knows one of the universal signs of respect is gaining a playful nickname from your teammates. While ‘Mac & Cheese’ may not strike fear into opponents like other nicknames, it could earn Jones some pretty sweet endorsement deals.

While at Alabama, Jones bided his time and put in the work. Eventually, it paid off, and he became one of the most unexpected stars of Nick Saban’s dynasty.

Now, as he starts the process of becoming a star all over again, this time for Bill Belichick. As the quarterback embarks on a new journey, Mac Jones looks more than capable of catching lightning in a bottle twice.

Image courtesy of Maddie Malhotra / Stringer via Getty Images